We would like to bring to the attention of customers new traceability requirements being introduced by the European Union for certain steel imports.
Effective from 1st October 2026, importers of steel products covered by the measure will be required to provide additional information relating to the origin and manufacture of the steel, including the country where the steel was melted and poured. The EU has introduced these requirements as part of a wider package of measures aimed at strengthening oversight and transparency within the steel supply chain.
Importers of affected steel products will be required to obtain and provide production traceability information from their suppliers, including the heat number (cast number) and details of the country where the steel was melted and poured. Supporting documentation should be retained and made available if requested by the customs authorities.
The new requirements are intended to assist customs authorities in determining the true origin of imported steel products and to strengthen controls relating to steel entering the EU market.
During the transitional phase (October 2026 to September 2027), the required information may be provided by means of an invoice declaration. However, importers should ensure that supporting evidence, such as Mill Test Certificates or other production records, can be produced upon request by the customs authorities. From 1st October 2027, a Mill Test Certificate will be required for all affected product classifications.
Please note that these requirements apply only to specific steel products falling within the scope of the measure. Importers should review their commodity code classifications to determine whether the new reporting requirements affect their imports.
Where the required information is not available at the time of customs clearance, delays will occur whilst supporting documentation is obtained from the supplier or manufacturer.
Useful Resources
- EU Information Notice: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/06/08/steel-overcapacity-council-greenlights-new-rules-to-protect-the-eu-steel-market-from-global-overcapacity/
- EU Regulation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/1384/oj/eng
- EU TARIC Database (to check whether your commodity codes fall within the affected product categories): https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp
Should you have any questions regarding customs requirements for steel imports, please contact your designated representative at Network International Cargo, who will be happy to assist.
